Painful arm two weeks after angioplasty. When the procedure was performed, my radial artery was spasming, so they changed places. But, the intravenous moved slighty out of my vein, and the relaxing meds went into my arm under the skin instead of the vein. My arm is still badly bruised and can be quite painful at night and during the day.
Is there anything I can do?
Honestly I think painkillers is the option here , also witchhazel is good for bruises as well . Try and sleep on your other side and keep your arm above the covers so it doesn’t get tagged up at night .
I’m guessing you’re on anti-platelet therapy (aspirin, Clopidogrel or similar) and that does make you bruise. My arms were black and blue for several weeks after angioplasty. And I got pains in shoulders and arms, but quite different from the angina aches I had before. Paracetamol did it for me. And patience, lots of it.
Yes I am on aspirin, Clopidogrel. Thanks so much. I don't mind the black and blue, but my arm wakes me up at night from the wrist to the elbow. I guess I just have to be patient and have lots of Tylenol on hand.
The medicines will make you bruise easily and is normal. It takes time for the body to recover. Pain in the arms for a few weeks is common. Paracetamol will do the job. Good luck.
I had a angiogram 3 weeks ago. Had one in feb with a stent fitted, and one a few week ago to check on chest pain. Like you the relaxing meds went into my arm under the skin instead of the vein. It was so sore they flushed and started again. It’s the arm though that really hurt after. Where they went in through my wrist. The pain from my wrist to elbow felt like it was broken and my hand was numb like I had slept on it. After a week I was told to go back to the heart center so they could look. I could just about move my wrist and fingers. So they were happy with that. They said it could a trapped nerve and a spasm in the the vein. If it doesn’t improve in the next week or two I am to call back. Although still sore it is getting better. I can touch it now where I couldn’t before. Movement is better too. It will be 4 weeks this Wednesday. Last time it was healed in a week. From what I’m told it’s the swelling taking a long time to go down. Give them a call if it worries you. If you can handle the pain give it another week to see if it’s heading in the right direction.
Sorry to hear that. It's possible the swelling of the bruising is causing pain so perhaps a cold compress might reduce the swelling and so ease the pain (as well as taking paracetamol at bedtime)?
Underwent angioplasty at the weekend for a completely blocked artery. Procedure 12mins, sent home after 72hrs with barely a mark. A little residual discomfort but nothing to worry over.
How long can a stent last?
Worsening symptoms after Angioplasty for chest pain
Chest pain post angioplasty/stenting
How Long Does One Wait?
Painful arm post angioplasty 
